Auto sacramental

Definition

An auto sacramental is a type of one-act play originating in Spain during the 17th century that focuses on themes of religion, particularly the sacrament of the Eucharist. These plays are characterized by their allegorical nature, often blending dramatic action with moral and theological messages, and were typically performed during religious festivals, especially Corpus Christi. They reflect a rich tradition of Spanish Golden Age theater, illustrating the intersection of faith and artistic expression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Auto sacramentals were primarily written by dramatists like Pedro Calderón de la Barca and were performed in outdoor settings as part of religious celebrations.
2. The structure of an auto sacramental typically involves a conflict between good and evil, leading to a resolution that reinforces Christian morals and teachings.
3. These plays often include a mix of characters such as saints, allegorical figures representing virtues or vices, and sometimes even abstract concepts like Faith or Sin.
4. Auto sacramentals played a crucial role in shaping the religious culture of Spain during the Golden Age, highlighting the importance of the Eucharist in public life.
5. The popularity of auto sacramentals began to decline in the late 17th century due to changing tastes in theater and increasing secularization in society.

Review Questions

• How do auto sacramentals use allegory to convey religious messages?
  • Auto sacramentals employ allegory by using characters and situations that symbolize deeper moral and theological concepts. For example, virtues like Charity or Patience might be personified in characters who interact with figures representing vices like Greed or Envy. This technique allows the audience to engage with complex religious themes through relatable narratives, ultimately reinforcing Catholic doctrine and values.
• Discuss the significance of Calderón de la Barca's contributions to the development of auto sacramentals.
  • Calderón de la Barca is regarded as one of the most important playwrights in the genre of auto sacramentals. His works brought sophistication and depth to this theatrical form by exploring intricate themes of faith, redemption, and human experience. Calderón's ability to blend drama with philosophical questions allowed his auto sacramentals to resonate with audiences on both emotional and intellectual levels, enhancing their popularity during the Spanish Golden Age.
• Evaluate the impact of cultural shifts on the decline of auto sacramentals in Spanish theater.
  • The decline of auto sacramentals was largely influenced by cultural shifts towards secularism and changing audience preferences in the late 17th century. As society became more focused on individualism and less on collective religious practices, theatrical works began to reflect these values, leading to a preference for more secular dramas. The rise of new forms of entertainment and changing political climates also contributed to diminishing interest in religious plays, marking a significant transition in Spanish theater history.

Related terms

Allegory:

A literary device where characters or events symbolize deeper meanings or moral lessons, often used in auto sacramentals to convey religious themes.

Spanish Golden Age: A period from the late 15th century to the early 17th century in Spain marked by flourishing arts and literature, including the rise of auto sacramental plays.

Eucharist: A Christian sacrament commemorating the Last Supper, central to many auto sacramentals, which often explore its significance in faith and community.